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Tips for Choosing a VoIP System for Your Business

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an advanced communications technology that many businesses in Singapore want to own. However, with so many service providers out there, not everyone gets the right plan for their company’s needs. Unless you are tech-savvy, it can be difficult to know exactly what to look for in a voice over IP plan. Here, we’ve put together some helpful tips on how you can find the right VoIP service for your company.

1. Determine whether you need an on-site or hosted VoIP.
There are two types of Voice over IP system to choose from: a hosted system and an on-site system. With hosted system, you won’t have to purchase and install additional hardware aside from the VoIP phones, which makes it convenient for small businesses and offices.

On the other hand, on-site systems require a bit of work from your part. Expect to purchase and install additional devices in your office, and make sure to ask your vendor whether you will be the one to do the installation or will there be someone to do the job for you. Also, find out if someone will come to your office in case of problems or you will have to deal with it yourself.

2. Find out if your Internet can handle the upgrade.
Since quality voip in Singapore relies on high-speed Internet in order to efficiently operate, it is important to make sure that you have enough bandwidth to support your new communications system. Ask your service provider what adequate speed is needed for the number of phones you will be installing on the site.

Other than phone usage, also consider how your employees use the Internet. If they do more uploads and downloads of files in a day, you may want to increase your bandwidth before upgrading to a VoIP system.

3. Check the provider’s international call rates.
Although Voice over IP plans area generally cheaper than conventional telecommunications company, choosing the most adequate service for your needs and calling patterns is essential in saving your more money.

VoIP in Singapore have varied rates according to call destinations. Do not consider only their ‘overall ranking’ as either the cheapest or the most expensive provider, but check closely their individual rates for the country you usually call to. Focus on your specific needs when looking for the best-priced service for your business.

4. Do not sacrifice reliability.
There are so many new VoIP providers in Singapore emerging almost every week. And most of these vendors market their services with promises of being the most affordable, most reliable, and offering excellent voice quality. However, the same way these providers appear, they disappear like a lightning, too.

Make sure to do some research to find out which VoIP in Singapore have the best record and reputation. The last thing you want to happen is not to be able to make or take calls when you most need to.

5. Identify the features you need.
Voice over IP systems in Singapore offer varying features, and you should look for one that caters most of your needs. Make a list of must-have features, and another list for functions that you wish to have but are not a priority.

Many vendors amaze you with so many functions in a given plan, but are not as essential as you think it would. Pin point your needs and find a plan that will save you as much money as possible without compromising on quality service. Also, consider add-on features if you can’t find a package with all the functions you need.

6. Find out if the system can be used on existing programs.
You are not going to change your entire system just to accommodate a new Voice over IP set-up. Instead, the VoIP should be able to fit with your existing system. There are VoIP plans that come with API to make integration of the system to an existing program easier. However, not all offer this feature.

On the contrary, you can decide not to implement Voice over IP on all of your existing systems. To come up with the best decision for your company, have a work with your IT professionals.

7. Read and understand the contract.
If your contract states a lock-in subscription for a year, you may want to look for another service provider with more favourable terms instead. Do not feel like you have to sign such contracts in order to get reliable services. Many service providers in Singapore offer month-to-month subscription, and therefore can be cancelled the next month, if you don’t find their services satisfying.

Also, with a month-to-month contract, this means that a provider continuously earning your trust in order to persuade you to continue your subscription for the next month. These service providers are likely to offer great services as they strive to keep their clients month after month.

8. Ask about the tech support.
Customer services and technical support plays a crucial role in having a smooth VoIP service. So, it’s important to ask the availability of the tech support of your provider before closing the deal with them. Find out whether their tech team is available 24/7 and during holidays in case of trouble with your VoIP system.

Choosing a VoIP system for your business can be quite confusing, especially when you’re faced with a myriad of options in the market. However, if you know the functions and issues of your company, and keep in mind these essential tips, you will be more knowledgeable and more likely to choose a great system for your type of business.